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Realize your potential. Maximize your success.
Rapidly improve your English language and academic skills as you experience the vibrant campus life and countless learning opportunities at one of the world’s leading private research universities.
Contact us to learn how to apply:
Highlights
- Intensive, skill-based English courses for 20 hours each week on USC campus
- Six convenient start dates throughout the year
- University preparation & conditional admission programs
- Experienced teachers hold advanced degrees in TESOL, Education or related fields
- University setting: full access to campus facilities and student life
- Cultural activities at top Los Angeles attractions
- Campus housing available year-round
A top-tier university in Los Angeles, California
Located in the heart of Los Angeles — a global hub for technology, health services, communications and the arts — USC is home to a uniquely diverse and talented community of scholars and teachers. Internationally recognized for higher education and cutting-edge research, USC offers more than 550 programs of study across a wide array of disciplines.
As a USC International Academy student, you will be immersed in USC’s dynamic community, enjoy full access to its state-of-the-art facilities, and advance your English skills while building bonds that span the globe.
Intensive English Programs
Full-Time Study (F-1 Visa Required)
Intensive English Program courses are carefully developed to meet the needs of each student’s skill set and goals across all levels of language proficiency, from beginner to advanced. Classes are small and interactive, giving you the opportunity to receive individualized attention, collaborate with one another, and optimize your learning.
Courses focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking, all taught by USC teachers. Choose between elective courses (e.g., Business, TOEFL/IELTS Test Preparation, STEM, Pronunciation, Journalism, Life in Los Angeles, and more) to complement your academic program and can participate in conversation groups with American USC students each week.
Get more information about the Intensive English programs and access the registration form.
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Dates for 2026
April 30, 2026 – June 18, 2026
June 29, 2026 – August 14, 2026Program Cost
Program Fee: $3,250 USD
University Service Fee*: $475 USD*The required university service fee covers the cost of textbooks and materials, health insurance, access to campus facilities (medical center, gym, computer labs, & more), airport shuttle transportation and issuance of immigration documents.
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Dates for 2025 – 2026
August 28, 2025 – December 5, 2025
January 8, 2026 – April 21, 2026
February 26, 2026 – June 18, 2026
April 30, 2026 – August 14, 2026
August 27, 2026 – December 4, 2026Program Cost
Program Fee: $6,500 USD
University Service Fee*: $950 USD*The required university service fee covers the cost of textbooks and materials, health insurance, access to campus facilities (medical center, gym, computer labs, & more), airport shuttle transportation and issuance of immigration documents.
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Dates for 2025 – 2026
October 16, 2025 – April 21, 2026Program Cost
Program Fee: $9750 USD
University Service Fee*: $1535 USD*The required university service fee covers the cost of textbooks and materials, health insurance, access to campus facilities (medical center, gym, computer labs, & more), airport shuttle transportation, and issuance of immigration documents.
University Preparation Programs
Pre-Master’s
Gain conditional admission to one of USC’s highly selective master’s programs before reaching the English proficiency and GRE scores required for direct admission! Nearly 100 top-ranked USC master’s degree programs across a wide array of disciplines offer conditional admission to qualified international students through the Pre-Master’s Program, including Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Architecture, and more. The Pre-Master’s Program will advance your English language and academic skills, help you achieve your target GRE score, and acquire skills that will prepare you for success at USC.
Master’s Preparation
Make your graduate school application stand out through unparalleled support by USC admission advisers, intensive TOEFL/IELTS and GRE/GMAT preparation, and academic English course work tailored to your field of study. Learn how to read and critically assess academic texts, communicate effectively in writing and speech, develop an advanced vocabulary, and improve your test-taking strategies.
Your University Experience in Los Angeles
At USC International Academy, language learning extends beyond the classroom to the bustling center of the University of Southern California campus and cultural landmarks of Los Angeles. Weekly conversation groups, educational seminars, and social outings are just some of the ways Academy students practice their English, meet new friends, and explore life in our exciting city.
Living in LA
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, USC is situated in Los Angeles’ central business and entertainment district. World-renowned cultural institutions and sports and entertainment venues are just minutes from campus, including the STAPLES Center, L.A. Live, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
USC partners with several Los Angeles transportation companies and services to help students navigate the city. The city’s DASH buses and the new Expo rail line provide easy, affordable access to Downtown LA, Pasadena, Hollywood and Culver City.
Student Housing
University housing is available to USC International Academy students all year. Being part of USC’s vibrant residential community will help you adjust to life in the U.S., make American friends, and have easy access to the university’s myriad support services and Los Angeles landmarks.
How to Apply
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To begin the process, please go to USC’s online application sy
stem and create an account. When applying, type “International Academy” in the search field and select the appropriate term.
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Please assemble the following documents:
- Official transcripts
- Financial statement
- Copy of your passport page
- Copy of your TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or
- Cambridge English score
- Copy of your bachelor’s degree diploma (if you have already graduated)
- CV (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose
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The total application processing fee is $195 (USD) and is non-refundable. The fee is paid online when you submit your application.
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Application processing takes on average six to eight weeks after we receive your completed application. If your eligibility to the Pre-Master’s Program is approved, you will receive notification by email that includes an acceptance letter from the USC International Academy. The letter will include details about your study plan, including your start date options.
To secure your space in the Pre-Master’s Program, you must confirm your intent to enroll online and pay the $2,500 tuition deposit within 30 days of receiving your admission decision. After you confirm your enrollment and pay the deposit, we will email you a welcome packet that includes the Form I-20.